Hitting a backhand is similar to hitting a forehand. Most beginners emphasize their forehand stroke which leads to a reliance on the forehand stroke in the future. It is important to practice both strokes at the same time to ensure that your are well rounded when playing tennis.

The two-handed backhand stroke is used for players who want more control and accuracy. Learning the backhand is more difficult than the forehand as the feel of the stroke is less natural than hitting a forehand. There are four basic elements when hitting a backhand; court movement, shoulder turn, strike and follow-through.

Knowing and being where the ball is before the ball hits your side of the court is important as being in the right spot at the right time will increase your chance of hitting an explosive backhand. Make sure that your feet are planted and a shoulder-width apart before the ball lands on your side of the net. Being passive and letting the ball come to you will result in a less powerful stroke.

Your shoulders should be turned and the racket should be pulled back above waist level. Both hands should be grabbing the racket and both shoulders should be turned perpendicular to the net. Having your shoulders turned before the ball comes is important because it will give you enough time to increase racket speed, this will ensure a clean strike and follow through.

When hitting the ball, strike the ball low around waist level. After initial contact, make sure to follow through, by the time your finished with your stroke, your racket should be high and across your opposite shoulder. Following through the ball will increase top-spin. Extra top-spin will let you hit the ball harder and with more control.

In conclusion, the following should be performed when hitting a backhand. Prepare your body so that you are already in position before the ball gets to you. Squared and turned shoulders is required to increase racket speed. Hit and follow through the ball and emphasize coming across your body to maximize the top-spin that is generated.